The
major influx of Pied Kingfishers into eastern Arabia this winter has resulted
in at last four Pied Kingfishers wintering at Sabkhat Al Fasl. These birds have
taken up residence in a couple of different locations with birds being seen at
the two sites each visit in 2016. The birds are extremely beautiful and are
always exciting to see, with some of them giving very good views perched on
sunken dead trees and nearby reeds. Although this winter has been exceptional
for them in the region, they remain a rare/scarce winter visitor. It will be
interesting to see if this status changes after such a large influx, as some of
these birds may return next winter to the same site?
